Plant Operator, Lead I

The purpose of this classification is to perform highly skilled technical work to operate, control, and maintain equipment at a water treatment plant to maintain compliance with applicable local, state, and federal environmental rules and regulations for the Consolidated Government's water utility.  Reports to the Assistant Treatment Plant Manager or other designated person. Works with co-workers and the public to provide operational support.

• Leads and coordinates daily work activities of an assigned shift.  Confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities. Organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work, monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work. Confers with co-workers, assisting with complex and problem situations while providing technical expertise.  Trains and instructs co-workers regarding operational procedures and the proper use of equipment.  Assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations. 
• Operates an assigned water treatment plant for the Consolidated Government.  Monitors plant operations, processes, checks system components, identifies any problems, and makes necessary adjustments.  Ensures continuous and effective operation while maintaining compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, standards, and guidelines. 
• Monitors chemical feeds, distributions, flow rates, and related treatment processes.  Maintains appropriate chemical levels, adjusts system controls, components, adjusts, and replaces chemicals in the plant's systems.  Maintains related documentation as needed.
• Reads meters, gauges and dials.  Records readings, chemical levels, water properties, and statistical data.  Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records, and reports including flowcharts, production reports, and operation logs.
• Collects and tests water samples.  Performs all necessary qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests, quality control testing, and analyzes test results.  Determines the need for treatment process changes. Maintains records of findings and sample characteristics.  Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment and calibrates test equipment as required.
• Inspects plant systems, facilities, and equipment.  Performs preventive maintenance and services on the plant equipment, gauges, meters, and related systems.  Repairs system components:  changes filters, beds and other parts.  Lubricates and adjusts power driven pumps, checks and fills storage tanks and feeders; cleans equipment; flushes system; makes minor electrical and/or plumbing repairs as needed; maintains related documentation; and reports any problems or need for equipment repair.
• Prepares or completes plant records, logs, checklists, and other documents as required by local, state, and federal rules and regulations.  Records and reports process changes, equipment failures, service requests, work orders, and other details; and forwards, retains, or files as appropriate.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Education:  High School diploma or GED  {Please note: Upon job offer, you will be required to provide proof of education. Be sure to have the appropriate documents readily available.}

License: Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving history.  If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.  ***This position requires driving a county vehicle.***

Hiring level is based on experience and certifications as outlined below.  All applicants will be considered for Plant Operator, Lead l, grade 21.  Employment at he higher level position (Plant Operator Lead II, grade 23) may be warranted depending on years of experience and certification.

Plant Operator, Lead I (Grade 21)Plant Operator, Lead II (Grade 23)
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Knowledge of basic math and chemistry
• Understanding of basic supervision techniques
• Good communication skills, both oral and written
• Must demonstrate initiative in preparing for test and performing all duties
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or with a team
• Established ability to perform under high stress and remain congenial
• Must have ability to actively listen to others to understand their needs.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:

• Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
• Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to act as lead person or crew leader, providing guidance to a work unit, coordinating activities, and reviewing work of the unit.
• Equipment:  Requires the ability to operate and control the actions of equipment and machinery, requiring the monitoring, adjustment, regulation, and/or setting of multiple conditions.
• Verbal:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
• Math: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.
• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Physical Abilities:  Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
• Sensory Requirements:  Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Environmental Factors:  Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, toxic agents, disease, or pathogenic substances.

Other:

• This position requires staff call up in an emergency and some travel from office to other locations. 

Disclaimer:  The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Salary : $51,371 - $57,003